The above painting by Ivan Fedorovich Choulste, Nuit de Mars, Russie, is a reprisal from our previous edition. It’s a remarkable painting that bears a closer look.  The black pond mirrors the night sky, a [...]

Recent psychological studies about creativity identify mindset as a helpful way of understanding why some artists have long, fruitful careers and others give up. A poll of 140 creativity researchers identified the most important ingredients [...]

Catherine Hillis’s paintings are visually compelling – they also “say something,” albeit in the language of line, texture, and color.  Hillis is an artist who paints from close observation of life. Her watercolor Morning Hustle [...]

Poetry and painting share some DNA. To feel what’s in a painting, you must “read” it first – which means you must look closely with an emotional and imaginative eye at what the artist gives [...]

"It has always seemed to me that a picture does not rest upon beauty alone." - John Carlson Paintings, like people, have an outer surface that they present to the world and an "inner life" [...]

What a harvest is here in this still-life painting by the Flemish Baroque-period painter Jan Davidsz. de HEEM (1606-1684): a wooden table draped with a gold-fringed green velvet cloth, a glass of white wine and a [...]

So which will get you further, hard work or talent?  Is this even a legitimate question? One thing’s sure – using “lack of talent” as an excuse for not working hard isn’t going to get [...]

In a fascinating, well-written, gorgeously designed and photographed new book, Emma Jansson meticulously documents what every Zorn admirer has always wanted to know: how did this virtuoso of oil painting seemingly do the impossible again [...]

If I were making my own holiday gift wish list, these are the items I’d tell folks to pick for me (hint, hint!). Richeson Santa Fe Easel Who doesn’t want bigger, badder easel? The Richeson [...]

An alla prima painting is one that was painted in one session. In this step-by-step demonstration, learn how Cornelia Hernes creates a beautiful still life that includes a copper pot with lavender, a glass jar, and a [...]